Use of non-peptidic bradykinin receptor agonists to treat ocular hypertension and glaucoma

ABSTRACT

The invention provides methods for treating and/or preventing ocular disorders associated with increased intraocular pressure comprising administering a non-peptide bradykinin agonist to a patient in need thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/942,139 filed Jun. 5, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/954,362 filed Aug. 7, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods and compositions to treat ocular disorders associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). More specifically the invention relates to disorders including, but not limited to, ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bradykinin (BK) is an endogenous nonapeptide (H-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg-OH; SEQ ID NO: 1) that is generated by cleavage of the precursor polypeptide (kininogen) by specific proteases (kallikriens) within numerous tissues of the body (Regoli, D. and Barabe, J. Pharmacol. Rev., 32, 1-46, 1980; Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005). Certain enzymes of the kininase family degrade BK and related peptides and thus inactivate these peptides. All components of the kallkrien/kinin system, including specific receptors activated by BK and related peptides, are present in the human eye cells and tissues (Ma et al., Exp. Eye Res. 63: 19-26, 1996; Sharif and Xu, Exp. Eye Res. 63: 631-637, 1996). BK and another endogenous peptide (Lys-BK; Lys-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg; SEQ ID NO: 2) interact with two major BK receptor-subtypes, namely B₁ and B₂ to produce their biological effects (Regoli and Barabe, Pharmacol. Rev., 32, 1-46, 1980; Hall, Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005). The B₂-subtype is found under normal physiological conditions, while the B₁-subtype is typically induced during injury or trauma (Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005). While the B₁-subtype has a low affinity for BK and a high affinity for Des-Arg⁹-BK (Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe; SEQ ID NO: 3) and Lys-BK, the B₂-subtype has a high affinity for BK and Lys-BK but a low affinity for Des-Arg⁹-BK. Both receptor subtypes have been cloned and shown to be coupled to G-proteins and phospholipase C and their activation results in the generation of the second messengers inositol trisphosphate (IP₃) and diacylglycerol (DAG) (Bhoola et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 44: 1080, 1992; Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005). While IP₃ mobilizes intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_(i)) DAG phosphorylates protein kinase C and together these events lead to the final biological response such as cell shape change, tissue contraction or fluid secretion.

Additional events ensuing from elevation of [Ca²⁺]_(i) include activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to produce nitric oxide (NO) that in turn activates guanylate cyclase to produce cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and activation of cycloxygenases and/or phospholipase A₂ that produce endogenous prostaglandins that in turn elevate intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) (Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005). Activation of the B₂-receptor can also lead to inhibition of cAMP production in host cells transfected with the human recombinant B₂ receptors (Meini et al., Brit. J. Pharmacol. 143: 938-941, 2004). The majority of the physiological and pathological effects of BK are mediated by the B₂-receptor-subtype. However, pharmacological evidence has pointed to two additional BK-receptor subtypes, namely B₃ and B₄ (Hall, Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Sharma, Gen. Pharmacol., 24, 267-274, 1993). B₃ and B₄ receptor subtypes are actually stimulated by certain peptide BK antagonists whereas the B₁ and B₂ subtypes are blocked by the latter antagonists (Sharma, J. N., Gen. Pharmacol., 24, 267-274, 1993). While the presence of B₃ or B₄ receptor subtypes in the eye has not been investigated to-date, there is precedence for their existence in this organ since there is a robust BK-precursor and BK-generating enzyme pool in human ocular tissues and the presence of B₁ and B₂ receptors (Ma et al., Exp. Eye Res., 63: 19-26, 1996). Two new families of peptides related to BK, namely ovikinins (Schroder et al. J. Biol. Chem. 272: 12475-12481, 1997) and bombinakinins (Lai et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 286: 259, 2001; Lai et al. Peptides, 24: 199, 2003; O'Rouke et al., Regul. Peptides 121: 65, 2004; Lee et al., Regul. Peptides, 127: 207, 2005) have been discovered recently that may react with BK receptors or similar receptors. Additionally, a new receptor termed GPR100 has been recently discovered with which BK also interacts (Boels and Schaller, Br. J. Pharmacol. 140: 932-938, 2003).

Additional useful properties imparted by BK or BK mimetics include the lowering of mRNA of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) (Huang et al. Am. J. Physiol. Lung Cell Mol. Physiol. 290: L1291-L1299, 2006), a fibrotic cytokine that has been implicated in the possible etiology of ocular hypertension by promoting deposition of collagen and fibronectin in the TM area (International Patent Application No. PCT/US2003/012521 to Fleenor et al. published Nov. 13, 2003 as WO 03/092584); BK-induced inactivation of RhoA (Am. J. Physiol. Lung Cell Mol. Physiol. 290: L129-L1299, 2006) since Rho kinase inhibitors lower ocular hypertension (Waki et al., Curr. Eye Res. 22: 470-474, 2001); BK-induced blunting of systemic hypertension (Majima et al., Hypertension 35: 437-442, 2000) and BK-induced increase in blood flow (Ito et al. Br. J. Pharmacol. 138: 225-233, 2003) that is beneficial for retinoprotection (Tamaki et al., J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 15: 313-321, 1999). In addition, BK has been shown to attenuate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from activated microglial cells (Noda et al., J. Neurochem. 101: 397-410, 2007). Furthermore, BK can apparently increase conventional outflow facility in isolated anterior segments of bovine eyes (Webb et al., J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 22:310-316).

There are a number of ocular conditions that are caused by, or aggravated by, damage to the optic nerve head, degeneration of ocular tissues, and/or elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). For example, “glaucomas” are a group of debilitating eye diseases that are a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States and other developed nations. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (“POAG”) is the most common form of glaucoma (Quigley, Br. J. Ophthalmol., 80: 389-393, 1996). The disease is characterized by the degeneration of the trabecular meshwork, leading to obstruction of the normal ability of aqueous humor to leave the eye without closure of the space (e.g., the “angle”) between the iris and cornea (Rohen, Ophthalmol. 90: 758-765, 1983; (Quigley, Br. J. Ophthalmol., 80: 389-393, 1996). A characteristic of such obstruction in this disease is an increased IOP, resulting in progressive visual loss and blindness if not treated appropriately and in a timely fashion. The disease is estimated to affect between 0.4% and 3.3% of all adults over 40 years old. Moreover, the prevalence of the disease rises with age to over 6% of those 75 years or older. Thus, close to 70 million are afflicted by glaucoma (Quigley, Br. J. Ophthalmol., 80: 389-393, 1996).

Glaucoma affects three separate tissues in the eye. The elevated IOP associated with POAG is due to morphological and biochemical changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM), a tissue located at the angle between the cornea and iris, and ciliary muscle (CM) bundles. Most of the nutritive aqueous humor exits the anterior segment of the eye through the TM. The progressive loss of TM cells and the build-up of extracellular debris in the TM of glaucomatous eyes leads to increased resistance to aqueous outflow, thereby raising IOP. Elevated IOP, as well as other factors such as ischemia, cause degenerative changes in the optic nerve head (ONH) leading to progressive “cupping” of the ONH and loss of retinal ganglion cells and axons. The detailed molecular mechanisms responsible for glaucomatous damage to the TM, ONH, and the retinal ganglion cells are unknown.

Twenty years ago, the interplay of ocular hypertension, ischemia and mechanical distortion of the optic nerve head were heavily debated as the major factors causing progression of visual field loss in glaucoma. Since then, other factors including excitotoxicity, nitric oxide, absence of vital neurotrophic factors, abnormal glial/neuronal interplay and genetics have been implicated in the degenerative disease process. The consideration of molecular genetics deserves some discussion insofar as it may ultimately define the mechanism of cell death, and provide for discrimination of the various forms of glaucoma. Within the past 10 years, over 15 different glaucoma genes have been mapped and 7 glaucoma genes identified. However, despite such progress, the glaucomas still remain poorly understood.

Glaucoma is a progressive disease which leads to optic nerve damage and, ultimately, total loss of vision. Since there is a good correlation between IOP control and prevention/reduction of glaucomatous damage in POAG patients (Mao et al., Am. J. Ophthalmol. 111: 51-55, 1991), several therapeutic agents have been developed to treat ocular hypertension (Clark and Yorio, Nature Rev. Drug Discovery, 2: 448-459, 2003; Sharif and Klimko, Ophthalmic Agents, in Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry II., Vol. 6, Chapter 6.12, p. 297-320; Eds: D. J. Triggle and J. B. Taylor, Elsevier Oxford, 2007). Thus, it is known that elevated IOP can be at least partially controlled by administering drugs which either reduce the production of aqueous humor within the eye, such as beta-blockers and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, or increase the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye, such as miotics and sympathomimetics. Unfortunately, many of the drugs conventionally used to treat ocular hypertension have a variety of problems. For instance, miotics such as pilocarpine can cause blurring of vision and other visual side effects, which may lead either to decreased patient compliance or to termination of therapy. Systemically administered carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can also cause serious side-effects such as nausea, dyspepsia, fatigue, and metabolic acidosis, which side effects can affect patient compliance and/or necessitate the termination of treatment. Another type of drug, beta-blockers, has increasingly become associated with serious pulmonary side effects attributable to their effects on beta-2 receptors in pulmonary tissue. Sympathomimetics may cause tachycardia, arrhythmia and hypertension. Recently, certain prostaglandins and prostaglandin derivatives have been described in the art as being useful in reducing IOP. Typically, however, prostaglandin therapy for the treatment of elevated IOP is attended by undesirable side-effects, such as irritation and hyperemia of varying severity and duration. There is, therefore, a continuing need for therapies that control elevated IOP associated with glaucoma without the degree of undesirable side-effects attendant to most conventional therapies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides methods for treating and/or preventing an ocular condition associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), such as ocular hypertension and glaucoma. In certain aspects, a method of the invention comprises administering to a patient a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a non-peptide bradykinin (BK) agonist in a pharmaceutically acceptable ophthalmic vehicle.

Specific preferred embodiments of the invention will become evident from the following more detailed description of certain preferred embodiments and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a illustrates the ability of Bradykinin (BK) analogs and non-peptide (FR-190997) B₂-agonists to stimulate [Ca²⁺]_(i) mobilization in human ciliary muscle (h-CM cells). The maximal BK-induced functional response (set to 100%) was used to calculate the relative stimulation by various concentrations of other agonists. Lys-BK=Lys-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 2); Des-Arg⁹-BK=Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe (SEQ ID NO: 3); Hyp³-BK=Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 4); Met-Lys-BK=Met-Lys-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 5).

FIG. 1 b illustrates the ability of Bradykinin (BK) and non-peptide (FR-190997 and Compound 1) B₂-agonists to stimulate [Ca²⁺]_(i) mobilization in human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial (h-NPE cells).

FIG. 1 c illustrates the ability of non-peptide (FR-190997 and Compound 1) B₂-agonists to stimulate [Ca²⁺]_(i) mobilization in human ciliary muscle (h-CM cells).

FIG. 2 illustrates the ability of two B₂-antagonists to concentration-dependently antagonize the [Ca²⁺]_(i) mobilization induced by BK and FR-190997 in human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial (h-NPE) cells.

FIG. 3 a illustrates the IOP-lowering effect of BK intravitreally administered into rabbit eyes indicating that BK produced ocular hypotension.

FIG. 3 b illustrates the dose-dependent IOP reduction by FR-190997 (3-30 μg topical) in conscious ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkey eyes.

FIG. 4 illustrates the dose-dependent IOP reduction by FR-190997 (300-600 μg topical) in conscious ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkey eyes.

FIG. 5 illustrates a dose-response profile of IOP reduction by FR-190997 (0.03 10 μg topical) following a single topical ocular administration in conscious ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkey eyes.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing that Bradykinin (BK), non-peptide BK agonists and fluprostenol (positive control agent) stimulate the production of endogenous prostaglandins in human trabecular meshwork cells.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing that non-peptide bradykinin agonists (AL-42205; FR-190997) lower intraocular pressure in ocular normotensive mice.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing that non-peptide bradykinin agonists ((AL-42205; FR-190997; 1 μM) increase outflow facility of aqueous humor outflow from anterior eye segments of pig eyes perfused in vitro (n=5). *p<0.05 relative to vehicle-treated eyes.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing that non-peptide bradykinin agonists (AL-42205; FR-190997) significantly reduced IOP in ketamine-sedated normotensive and hypertensive eyes of 12 cynomolgus monkeys at 8, 25 and 27.5 hours after a single dose of the compound. Hours 5 and 8 were conscious IOPs. Hours 25 and 27.5 were made under sedation. Mean IOP at 25 and 27.5 hours after dosing in the treated hypertensive eyes were significantly less than that of normotensive eyes, with or without treatment. Error bars indicate standard deviations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There are conflicting reports in the literature as to the functions and involvement of BK in the modulation of IOP in various animal models. For example, while intravenous infusion of BK apparently lowered IOP (Chiang et al., Arch. Int. Pharmacodyn. Ther. 207: 131-138, 1974; Funk et al., Graefes Arch. Clin. Exp. Ophthalmol. 223: 145-149, 1985), injection of BK directly into the anterior chamber of the eye raised IOP and caused intense miosis (Cole and Ungar, Ophthalmic Res. 6: 308-314, 1974; Yokahama et al., Jpn. J. Ophthalomol. 34: 245-255, 1990) and increased both aqueous humor inflow and outflow (Green and Elijah, Exp. Eye Res. 33: 239-245, 1981). Furthermore, BK either had no effect on aqueous humor outflow (no ciliary muscle retrodisplacement) or decreased outflow (with ciliary muscle retrodisplacement) in cynomolgus monkey eyes upon injection of BK into the eye anterior chamber (Kaufman et al. Exp. Eye Res. 35: 191-199, 1982). Additionally, in perfused human and bovine anterior eye segments BK decreased outflow facility (Llobet et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Res., 40: 113-125, 1999), while another group has recently demonstrated apparent increase in outflow in bovine eyes (Webb et al., J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 22: 310-316, 2006). Such conflicting data coupled with an existing patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831) that contemplated the need for BK antagonists to elicit ocular hypotension has resulted in confusion about the potential role of endogenous BK and related peptides and their receptors in the modulation of IOP and ocular hypertension.

Some obvious drawbacks and reasons for the lack of consistent observations noted above are probably related to species differences in the effects of BK on IOP changes and on the fact that BK is a labile peptide that can easily and rapidly be inactivated by kininases and other proteases when it comes into contact with body fluids (Hall, Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992). Additionally, topical ocular administration of peptides such as BK are confounded by the potential lack of or little bioavailability through the cornea to reach the anterior segment of the eye. As demonstrated herein, a prototypic non-peptide BK agonist (FR-190997; Aramori et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 52: 16-20, 1997; Heitsch, Expert Opin. Invest. Drugs, 12: 759-770, 2003) topically administered to the eyes of conscious ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkeys potently and efficaciously lowers IOP with a long duration of action. This is probably related to the attainment of a relevant concentration in the aqueous humor and ciliary body when the compound was administered topical ocularly. Additional studies involving other species demonstrated profound species differences in the response to FR-190997 in terms of IOP-lowering activity. Thus, while non-human primates were highly responsive to FR-190997 in its ability to lower IOP, FR-190997 was unable to lower IOP in other species, such as cats, rabbits (New Zealand White and Dutch-Belted) and guinea pigs. Due to the close genetic, physiological and pharmacological responsiveness of the cynomolgus monkeys to humans relative to IOP changes induced by numerous classes of pharmacological/therapeutic agents (Clark and Yorio, Nature Rev. Drug Discovery, 2: 448-459, 2003; Sharif and Klimko, Ophthalmic Agents, in Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry II., Vol. 6, Chapter 6.12, p. 297-320; Eds: D. J. Triggle and J. B. Taylor, Elsevier Oxford, 2007), the data described herein has indicated that BK agonists, especially non-peptide mimetics, are useful ocular hypotensive agents for treating ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

The invention provides methods for treating or preventing ocular hypertension and ocular diseases associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), such as glaucoma. In certain embodiments, the methods of the invention comprise the step of administering a pharmaceutical composition to the eye of a patient, wherein the composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a non-peptide bradykinin (BK) agonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable ophthalmologic carrier.

In particular embodiments, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one non-peptide BK agonist. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be used to control IOP in a patient, thereby treating or preventing ocular hypertension and diseases associated with elevated IOP, such as glaucoma. As used herein, the phrases “control IOP” and “controlling IOP” refer to the ability of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention to prevent an increase of a patient's IOP and/or to lower a patient's existing IOP. Thus, a pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be used, for example, to prevent ocular hypertension from progressing into an ocular disease associated with elevated IOP, such as glaucoma. Alternatively, a pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be used, for example, to treat a patient who has been diagnosed with glaucoma, thereby reducing the patient's elevated IOP and improving and/or restoring vision to the patient.

As used herein, the term “patient” includes human and animal subjects.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” refers to the amount of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention determined to produce a therapeutic response in a mammal. Such therapeutically effective amounts are readily ascertained by one of ordinary skill in the art and using methods as described herein.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable ophthalmic carrier” refers to those carriers that cause at most, little to no ocular irritation, provide suitable preservation if needed, and deliver one or more non-peptide BK agonists of the present invention in a homogenous dosage.

The terms “pharmaceutical composition” and “composition” as used herein refer to a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable ophthalmologic carrier, excipient, or diluent and a BK agonist as described herein that is capable of inducing a desired therapeutic effect (e.g. lowering IOP or preventing an increase in IOP) when properly administered to a patient.

As used herein, a “bradykinin agonist” or “BK agonist” refers to a non-peptide compound that is capable of activating at least one of the BK receptors (i.e. the B₁, B₂, B₃, or B₄ receptor). In a particular embodiment, a BK agonist of the invention can activate the B₁ and/or the B₂ receptor. The BK agonists of the invention are useful in lowering intraocular pressure and thus are useful in the treatment of ocular hypertension or glaucoma. In a preferred embodiment, a BK agonist used in the methods of the invention is FR-190997 (a non-peptide BK mimetic agonist) or Compound 1 (another non-peptide agonist; compound 38 as shown in Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), whose chemical structures are shown below.

FR-190997 and analogs (e.g. FR-191413 as shown in Heitsch, Expert Opinion Invest. Drugs, 12: 759-770, 2003) are described in a number of publications as follows, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety (Aramori et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 52: 16-20, 1997; Asano et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 124: 441-446, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004). Additional analogs, derivatives, conjugates of non-peptide BK mimetic agonists can be contemplated by those skilled in the art. Other BK agonists that can be used in the methods of the invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,818; U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,389; U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,349; U.S. Pat. No. 6,509,366; U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,365; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,949; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Additionally, agonists that activate the BK receptor(s) directly or indirectly are useful in the methods of the invention. Accordingly, non-peptides of the dynorphin family (Lai et al., Nature Neurosci. 9: 1534-1540 2006), and/or ovokinin (Lai et al. Peptides, 16: 785-790, 1999; Schroder et al. J. Biol. Chem. 272: 12475-12481, 1997) and/or bombinakinins (Lai et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 286: 259, 2001; Lai et al. Peptides, 24: 199, 2003; O'Rouke et al., Regul. Peptides 121: 65, 2004; Lee et al., Regul. Peptides, 127: 207, 2005) family of peptides and their non-peptidic analogs and derivatives can also be used in the methods of the invention. Since neurotensin can also activate BK receptors at certain concentrations (Park and Kim, Cell. Signal. 15: 519-527, 2003), non-peptide neurotensin agonists are also useful agents for this invention. Likewise, non-peptidic neuropeptide Y receptor agonists (Gibbs et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 150: 72-79, 2007) and non-peptidic angiotensin-(1-7) agonists (Greco et al., Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol., 84: 1163-1175, 2006) are useful for this invention since the parent peptides can stimulate/modulate BK receptor activity.

In order to reduce possible ocular side-effects such as redness (hyperemia) or irritation, the compositions of this invention can be converted to suitable prodrugs by incorporation of acceptable functional groups to the non-peptide BK agonists, such that the prodrug would readily and rapidly penetrate the cornea and be then hydrolyzed to release the active species of the conjugate molecule into the aqueous humor. In this way, the residence time for the drug on the ocular surface is reduced along with the reduced extent and duration of ocular surface side-effects. A prodrug can be identified and generated using techniques well known to those skilled in the art (e.g. for ocular hypotensive prostaglandins isopropyl esters or amides are known; Stjernschantz et al. Adv. Prostaglandin. Thrombox. Leukotr. Res., 23: 513-518, 1995; Woodward et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 305:772-785, 2003).

The compositions of the invention can be administered to an eye of a patient as solutions, suspensions, or emulsions (dispersions) in a suitable ophthalmic carrier. For example, the compositions can be delivered topically to the eye in the form of drops, sprays, or gels. Alternatively, the compositions can be administered by injection (e.g., intravitreal, intraorbital, and/or subconjunctival and/or sub-tenon injection). The compositions can also be administered by means of an implantable device, which can be attached, for example, to a subconjunctival or intravitreal region of the eye.

In preparing compositions for topical administration, the BK agonists are generally formulated from about 0.00005 to about 1.0 percent by weight (wt %). The BK agonists are preferably formulated between about 0.0003 to about 0.3 wt % and, most preferably, between about 0.0005 and about 0.03 wt %. In general, the compositions will be solutions, having a pH between about 4.5 and about 7.4. While the precise regimen is left to the discretion of the clinician, the resulting solution or solutions are preferably administered by placing one drop of each solution(s) in each eye one to four times a day, or as directed by the clinician.

Other ingredients which may be desirable to use in the ophthalmic preparations of the present invention include preservatives, co-solvents, buffers, viscosity building agents and penetration enhancers. Viscosity building agents, such as hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidine, a polymer matrix such as CAPA4101 or the like, may be added to the compositions of the present invention to improve the retention of the compound in the conjunctival sac or surrounding area. In order to prepare sterile ophthalmic ointment formulations, the BK agonist may be combined with a preservative in an appropriate vehicle, such as white petroleum, mineral oil or liquid lanolin. Sterile ophthalmic gel formulations may be prepared by suspending the BK agonist in a hydrophilic base prepared from the combination of, for example, carbopol-940, or the like, according to the methods known in the art for other ophthalmic formulations. Other compositions of the resent invention may contain penetration enhancing agents such as cremephor and tween 80, in the event the BK agonists are less penetrating in the eye.

In other embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprising a non-peptide BK agonist can be administered to a patient alone or in combination with other IOP-lowering agents to increase the potency, efficacy and/or duration of the IOP reduction. Numerous agents known to lower IOP include have been previously described (Sugrue, J. Med. Chem. 40: 2793-2809, 1997; Clark and Pang, Expert Opin. Emerg. Drugs, 7: 141-163, 2002; Sharif and Klimko, Ophthalmic Agents, in Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry II., Vol. 6, Chapter 6.12, p. 297-320; Eds: D. J. Triggle and J. B. Taylor, Elsevier Oxford, 2007) including, but not limited to, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, beta-blockers, prostaglandins, alpha-2 agonists, serotonin-2 agonists, alpha-1 antagonists, dopamine agonists, Rho kinase inhibitors, myosin-II Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitors, matrix metalloproteinase activators, Activator protein-1 (AP-1) activators (U.S. Pat. No. 7,005,446), atrial natriuretic peptide receptor-B agonists (Potter and Hunter, J. Biol. Chem. 276: 6057-6060, 2001; Scotland and Ahluwalia, Pharmacol. Ther. 105: 85-93, 2005), K⁺-channel blockers (European patent EP1772514) and maxi-K-channel activators (Park et al. J. Pharmacol. Sci., 92: 218-227, 2003; Stumpff et al., Exp. Eye Res. 80: 697-708, 2005), phosphodiesterase inhibitors (Menniti et al. Nat. Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006), stimulators/activators of membrane-bound and cytosolic soluble adenylyl and/or guanylyl cyclases (Evgenov et al. Nature Rev. Drug Discovery 5: 755-768, 2006). Other compounds and compound classes described for lowering IOP are also useful for the current invention (Clark and Yorio, Nature Rev. Drug Discovery, 2: 448-459, 2003; and in Sharif and Klimko, Ophthalmic Agents, in Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry II., Vol. 6, Chapter 6.12, p. 297-320; Eds: D. J. Triggle and J. B. Taylor, Elsevier Oxford, 2007; International Publication No. WO 2006/041875; U.S. Pat. No. 7,005,446). Dual and multipharmacophoric agents can be also contemplated and synthesized by those skilled in the art of conjugating BK agonists with one or more of the agents mentioned above or cited in the publications above.

Just as nitric oxide (NO) liberated de novo from NO-donors or other biological processes have demonstrated physiological and pathological roles, two other compounds, carbon monoxide (CO; Snyder et al., Brain Res. Rev. 26: 167-175, 1998) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S; Boehning and Snyder, Ann. Rev. Neurosci. 26: 1050131, 2003; Kimura et al., Antioxid. Redox Signal. 7: 795-803, 2005), produced endogenously or delivered exogenously also mediate important biological functions. While CO appears to be able to activate soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), and NO can increase CO production (Leffler et al., Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 289: H1442-H1447, 2005), CO and NO can also act synergistically (Stone and Marietta, Chem. Biol. 5: 255-261, 1998; Sharma and Magde, Methods: 19: 494-505, 1999) Thus, sGC may be activated by NO and CO. Although H₂S has not been shown yet to activate sGC, because it relaxes smooth muscle (Kimura et al., Antioxid. Redox Signal. 7: 795-803, 2005) it is likely that sGC is involved in this process. Also, H₂S has recently been shown to lower IOP in rabbits (PCT Application WO 2006/119258). Therefore, in some some embodiments, the bradykinin receptor agonists may be advantageously combined with or conjugated with NO-donors and/or CO-donors (tricarbonylchloro[glycinato]ruthenium, tricarbonylchloro[glutamic acidato]ruthenium, tricarbonylchloro[lysinato]ruthenium; tricarbonylchloro[alanato]ruthenium, (Rodella et al., Free Radical Biol. Med. 40: 2198-2205, 2006); tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) dimer, (Srisook et al., Biochem. Pharmacol. 71: 307-318, 2006)), and/or H₂S-donors (NaHS; NaS) to achieve synergistic or additive reduction in IOP.

A pharmaceutical composition of the invention may also include an agent that is a source of NO. NO-donors usually cause hyperemia and typically do not exhibit high efficacy in vivo for IOP-lowering. However, a derivative of the anti-epileptic drug gabapentin, NCX8001 ([1-(aminomethyl-cyclohexane acetic acid 3-(nitroxymethyl) phenyl ester]), has been synthesized and shown to be bioavailable and to be a slow releaser of NO and that activates soluble guanylate cyclase (Wu et al Br. J. Pharmacol. 141: 65-74, 2003). The slow NO-releasing compound NCX8001 may readily penetrate the cornea and be hydrolyzed in the aqueous humor to release NO to lower IOP, thereby limiting its hyperemic potential. Therefore, in some embodiments, NCX8001 may be included in a pharmaceutical composition for ocular administration to lower IOP. Other agents that may prove suitable NO donors for lowering IOP include nitroparacetamol and nitroflurbiprofen (Eur. J. Pharmacol. 483: 317-322, 2004) and nitroglycerin, isosorbide, sodium nitropruside, minoxidil and molsidomine also lower IOP (Nathanson Eur. J. Pharmacol. 147: 155-156, 1988; Nathanson, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 260: 956-965, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,230).

A phosphodiesterase inhibitor is a drug that blocks one or more of the subtypes of the enzyme phosphodiesterase (PDE), therefore preventing the inactivation of the intracellular second messengers, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), by the respective PDE subtype(s). Of these, there are at least two types, non-selective and selective. Since cAMP and cGMP are known to relax ciliary muscle (Stumpff et al. Exp. Eye Res. 80: 697-708, 2005; Wiederholt et al. Prog. Retinal Eye Res. 19: 271-295, 2000), a process that leads to relaxation of the TM and thus resulting in an increase in the aqueous humor outflow (Stumpff et al. Exp. Eye Res. 80: 697-708, 2005; Wiederholt et al. Prog. Retinal Eye Res. 19: 271-295, 2000). Thus, PDE inhibitors could be advantageously combined with BK agonists to enhance the efficacy and/or duration of IOP-lowering induced the BK agonists. Various examples of non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors include (1) caffeine; (2) bronchodilator theophylline; and, (3) IBMX (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine), the latter of which, at least, is used as investigative tool in pharmacological research. Of the selective inhibitors, there are various ones typically related to the inhibitors subtype.

Examples of PDE1-selective inhibitors are Vinpocetine and IC₂₂₄. (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006). Examples of PDE2-selective inhibitors are erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)-adenine (EHNA) and BAY 60-7550. (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006).

Examples of a PDE3-selective inhibitors are enoximone, milrinone, and cilostamide. All are used clinically for short-term treatment of cardiac failure. Clinically these drugs mimic sympathetic stimulation and increase cardiac output. (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006) Further suitable examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,753, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if it were presented herein in its entirety.

An example of a PDE4-selective inhibitors is rolipram. It is used as investigative tool in pharmacological research. PDE4 is the major cAMP-metabolizing enzyme found in inflammatory and immune cells. PDE4 inhibitors have potential as anti-inflammatory drugs especially in airway diseases. They suppress the release of inflammatory signals, such as, but not limited to, cytokines, and inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species. PDE4 inhibitors have a high therapeutic and commercial potential as non-steroidal disease controllers in inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma, COPD and rhinitis (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006). Further suitable examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,363, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if it were presented herein in its entirety.

Examples of PDE5-selective inhibitors are sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, udenafil, and avanafil. A main use for these PDE5 inhibitors are remedies for erectile dysfunction (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006). Further suitable compounds are those disclosed in WO 94/28902, WO 96/16644, and WO 01/19802, the contents of all which are hereby incorporated by reference as if they were presented herein their entirety, including, but not limited to the griseolic acid derivatives, 2-phenylpurinone derivatives, phenylpyridone derivatives, fused and condensed pyrimidines, pyrimidopyrimidine derivatives, purine compounds, quinazoline compounds, phenylpyrimidinone derivative, imidazoquinoxalinone derivatives, pyrazolopyrimidinones, such as, but not limited to, 5-(2-ethoxy-5-morpholinoacetylphenyl)-1-methyl-3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3d]pyrimidin-7-one, 5-(5-morpholinoacetyl-2-n-propoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 5-[2-ethoxy-5-(4-methyl-1-piperazinylsulfonyl)-phenyl]-1-methyl-3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 5-[2-allyloxy-5-(4-methyl-1-piperazinylsulfonyl)-phenyl]-1-methyl-3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 5-[2-ethoxy-5-[4-(2-propyl)-1-piperazinylsulfonyl)-phenyl]-1-methyl-3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 5-[2-ethoxy-5-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 5-[5-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinylsulfonyl]-2-n-propoxyphenyl]-1-methyl 1,3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 5-[2-ethoxy-5-(4-methyl-1-piperazinylcarbonyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 5-[2-ethoxy-5-(1-methyl-2-imidazolyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 1,3-dimethyl-5-benzylpyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine-7-one, 2-(2-propoxyphenyl)-6-purinone, 6-(2-propoxyphenyl)-1,2-dihydro-2-oxypyridine-3-carboxamide, 2-(2-propoxyphenyl)-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimid-4(3H)-one, 7-methylthio-4-oxo-2-(2-propoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine, 6-hydroxy-2-(2-propoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-4-carboxamide, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazo[1,5a]quinoxalin-4′(5H)-one, 4-phenylmethylamino-6-chloro-2-(1-imidazoloyl)quinazoline, 5-ethyl-8-[3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-propyloxy]-4,5-dihydro-4-oxo-pyrido[3,2-e]-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine, 5′-methyl-3′-(phenylmethyl)-spiro[cyclopentane-1,7′(8′H)-(3′H)-imidazo[2,1-b]purin]4′(5′H)-one, 1-[6-chloro-4-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-aminoquinazolin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid, (6R,9S)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)methyl-5-methyl-3,4,5,6a,7,8,9,9a-octahydrocyclopent[4,5]-imidazo[2,1-b]-purin-4-one, 1-t-butyl-3-phenylmethyl-6-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]-pyrimid-4-one, 1-cyclopentyl-3-methyl-6-(4-pyridyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimid-4-one, 2-butyl-1-(2-chlorobenzyl)6-ethoxy-carbonylbenzimidaole, 2-(4-carboxy-piperidino)-4-(3,4-methylenedioxy-benzyl)amino-6-nitroquinazoline and 2-phenyl-8-ethoxycycloheptimidazole.

The PDE6's are distributed in the retina and have been implicated with retinal degeneration (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006). Selective inhibitors comprise sildenafil, zaprinast, and dipyridamole.

An example of a PDE7-selective inhibitor is Dipyridamole. The PDE8's are distributed throughout the cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum and have been implicated with Parkinson's disease and psychosis (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov. 5: 660-670, 2006).

An example of a PDE8-selective inhibitor is Dipyridamole. The PDE8's are distributed throughout the cortex, striatum, and hippocampus and have been implicated with Alzheimer's disease (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006).

An example of a PDE9-selective inhibitor is BAY 73-6691. The PDE9's are distributed throughout the brain and have been implicated with neurodegeneration and cognitive issue (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006).

Examples of PDE10-selective inhibitors include papaverine and PQ-10. The PDE10's have been implicated with psychosis (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006).

An example of a PDE11-selective inhibitor is tadalafil (Menniti et al., Nature Rev. Drug Discov., 5: 660-670, 2006).

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can also be advantageously combined with suitable neuroprotective agents such as memantine, eliprodil, Ca²⁺-cannel blockers, betaxolol, etc. (Clark and Yorio, Nature Rev. Drug Discovery, 2: 448-459, 2003; and in Sharif and Klimko, Ophthalmic Agents, in Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry II., Vol. 6, Chapter 6.12, p. 297-320; Eds: D. J. Triggle and J. B. Taylor, Elsevier Oxford, 2007) to obtain IOP-lowering and protection of retinal ganglion cells (RGC). Since angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors appear to potentiate the effects of endogenous and exogenous BK independent of blocking BK inactivation, and ACE and B₂-receptors form a complex (Chen et al., FASEB J. 13: 2261-2270, 2006), a combination of BK agonists and ACE inhibitors (e.g. captopril; omapatrilat; enalapril, etc) may also be useful for lowering IOP and RGC protection.

As demonstrated in the Examples below, BK agonists can increase outflow of aqueous humor in the eye, thereby lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods for lowering IOP comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a non-peptide BK agonist in combination with an aqueous humor production (inflow) inhibitor. In other embodiments, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one non-peptide BK agonist and/or at least one aqueous humor inflow inhibitor. The combination therapy of the invention provides the benefit of lowering IOP by two mechanisms, including inducing uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor and inhibiting aqueous humor inflow, which can allow for reduced dosages of the compounds thereby lowering the risk of side effects. In certain embodiments, the BK agonist and aqueous humor inflow inhibitor are administered concurrently in separate pharmaceutical compositions. In other embodiments, the BK agonist and aqueous humor inflow inhibitor are administered formulated together in a pharmaceutical composition. In yet other embodiments, the BK agonist and aqueous humor inflow inhibitor are administered sequentially in separate pharmaceutical compositions.

Non-limiting examples of “aqueous humor inflow inhibitors” include β-blockers (e.g. betaxolol; timolol; levobunolol; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,883,814, 6,399,605; Clark and Yorio, Nature Rev. Drug Discovery, 2: 448-459, 2003; and in Sharif and Klimko, Ophthalmic Agents, in Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry II., Vol. 6, Chapter 6.12, p. 297-320; Eds: D. J. Triggle and J. B. Taylor, Elsevier Oxford, 2007), α-2 agonists (e.g. brimonidine; apraclonidine; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,212,196; 5,612,364; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,883,814, 6,399,605; Clark and Yorio, Nature Rev. Drug Discovery, 2: 448-459, 2003; and in Sharif and Klimko, Ophthalmic Agents, in Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry II., Vol. 6, Chapter 6.12, p. 297-320; Eds: D. J. Triggle and J. B. Taylor, Elsevier Oxford, 2007), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g. brinzolamide; dorzolamide; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,153,192; 5,240,923; 5,464,831; 5,538,966; 5,620,970; 6,242,441; 6,242,442; 6,316,441); serotonin-2 agonists (e.g. R-DOI; α-methyl-serotonin; U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,286), and other classes of compounds that exert their IOP-lowering effects in whole or in part by inhibiting the production of aqueous humor (inflow pathway) (Clark and Yorio, Nature Rev. Drug Discovery, 2: 448-459, 2003; and in Sharif and Klimko, Ophthalmic Agents, in Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry II., Vol. 6, Chapter 6.12, p. 297-320; Eds: D. J. Triggle and J. B. Taylor, Elsevier Oxford, 2007).

Non-peptide BK agonists of the present invention may also be readily elucidated by employing the following bradykinin receptor and/or cellular functional assays:

Receptor Binding Assay:

Agents that can specifically bind to native or recombinant BK receptors (preferably human B₂ and B₁ types) and thus displace radiolabeled BK or its analog or its mimetic from the receptors can be discovered using radioreceptor binding techniques as described by Sharif and Whiting (Neurochem. Int. 18: 89-96, 1991) and Wiernas et al. (Brit. J. Pharmacol. 123: 1127-1137, 1998). Tissue or cell homogenates expressing BK receptors are incubated with [³H]-BK (0.1-2 nM final; for B₂-receptors) or or [³H]-Des-Are-kallidin (for B₁-receptors) in the presence or absence of unlabeled BK or Des-Are-kallidin (1-10 μM final, respectively) to define total and non-specific binding, respectively, in microtiter plates or polypropylene assay tubes in a final assay volume of 0.25-1 mL in a buffer solution containing a cocktail of peptidase inhibitors. Test compounds (at various concentrations) are substituted for unlabeled BK. After a 60 min incubation on ice the assay is rapidly terminated by vacuum filtration and receptor bound radioactivity determined by β-scintillation counting (Sharif and Whiting, Neurochem. Int. 18: 89-96, 1991).

All reagent and test compound additions to the assay plates are made using Biomek 2000 robotic workstations (Beckman Instruments, Fullerton, Calif.). The data are then analyzed using an automated, iterative, sigmoidal curve-fitting computer program to obtain the potency and intrinsic activities of the test agents as previously described (Sharif et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 286: 1094-1102, 1998; Sharif et al. Invest Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 39:2562-2571, 1998; Kelly et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 304: 238-245, 2003). The sources of other materials and reagents for such assays can be found in Sharif and Whiting, Neurochem. Int. 18: 89-96, 1991. High affinity displacers of [³H]-BK in these assays would exhibit inhibition constants (IC₅₀s; i.e. antagonists compound concentration inhibiting 50% of the maximum agonist effect) in the range of 0.01-100 nM and thus constitute potential BK agonists worthy of pursuit for testing in specific cell-based functional assays as described below.

Functional Assays

Agents that can specifically activate native or recombinant BK receptors (preferably human B₂ and B₁ types) present in isolated animal or human tissues [strips or rings] (Sharif and Whiting, Neurochem. Int. 18: 89-96, 1991; Rizzi et al. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg Arch. Pharmacol. 360: 361-367, 1999), in cultured cells of animal or human tissue source (Sharif et al., Neurosci. Lett. 86: 279-283, 1988; Sharif and Whiting, Neurochem. Res. 12: 1313-1320, 1993), especially primary or immortalized ocular cells involved in aqueous humor dynamics such as human trabecular meshwork (h-TM) (Sharif and Xu, Exp. Eye Res. 63: 631-637, 1996), human ciliary muscle cells (h-CM; Sharif et al. J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 19: 437-455, 2003), non-pigmented ciliary epithelial (NPE; Crider and Sharif, J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 18: 221-230, 2002) can be discovered by measuring second messengers such as inositol phosphates (Sharif et al., Neurosci. Lett. 86: 279-283, 1988; Sharif and Whiting, Neurochem. Res. 12: 1313-1320, 1993), intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_(i)) (Kelly and Sharif, J. Pharmacol. Expt. Ther. 317:1254-1261, 2006), cAMP (Crider and Sharif, J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 18: 221-230, 2002) and cGMP (Zhang et al., Exp. Eye Res. 21: 748-756, 2001) produced after stimulation of the BK receptor(s) using well documented procedures.

BK agonists can more specifically be discovered using human or Chinese hamster ovary cell-lines expressing recombinant human B₁ or B₂ BK receptors and measuring one or more of the second messengers (inositol phosphates (IPs); [Ca²⁺]_(i); cGMP, cAMP) in the presence or absence of the test agent. An agent that stimulates the production of one or more of these second messengers would be classified as a BK agonist as previously demonstrated (Sharif et al., Neurosci. Lett. 86: 279-283, 1988; Sharif and Whiting, Neurochem. Res. 12: 1313-1320, 1993; Aramori et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 52: 16-20, 1997; Asano et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 124: 441-446, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004). In addition, the pharmacological characteristics of specific BK agonists can be further defined using the latter techniques and reagents and other BK agonists and antagonists (Sharif et al., Neurosci. Lett. 86: 279-283, 1988; Sharif and Whiting, Neurochem. Res. 12: 1313-1320, 1993; Aramori et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 52: 16-20, 1997; Asano et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 124: 441-446, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004; Abe et al., J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004). It is important to demonstrate agonist activity of BK agonists in human ocular cells known to be involved in aqueous humor dynamics in order to demonstrate the presence of the target receptors in these target cells and to correlate the in vitro actions of these compounds with their IOP-lowering activity.

Functional Assay Using Isolated Tissues

A functional assay involving contraction of isolated tissues in organ baths in response to BK or test compounds can be performed as previously described (Walestedt et al. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 106: 577-583, 1985; Sharif and Whiting, Neurochem. Int. 18: 89-96, 1991; Rizzie et al., Naunyn-Schmiedeberg Arch. Pharmacol. 360: 361-367, 1999). Thus, longitudinal fundus muscle strips (1.5×20 mm), umbilical cord or blood vessel spiral strips, or guinea pig ileum, or bovine or human trabecular meshwork (Wiederholt et al. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 38: 1883-1892, 1997) or ciliary muscle or iris (Walestedt et al. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 106: 577-583, 1985) other tissue expressing endogenous BK receptors are mounted in 25 mL organ baths containing oxygenated (95% O₂/5% CO₂) Krebs buffer solution at 37′C. The Krebs buffer solution is composed of the following (mM): NaCl₂ 118; KCl 4.8; CaCl₂ 2.5; KH₂PO₄ 1.2; NaHCO₃ 25; MgSO₄ 2.0; dextrose 10 and flurbiprofen 0.003 (pH 7.4).

Longitudinal isometric tension can be recorded via a FTO3 transducer and displayed on a Polyview Computer software analyzer (resting tension=1 gm). Tissues are allowed to equilibrate for 30-45 min after which the test agents are added in ascending concentrations, the maximal response being allowed to reach a plateau before each subsequent addition (cumulative contractile concentration-responses) (Sharif and Whiting, Neurochem. Int. 18: 89-96, 1991). In order to verify the agonist activity being mediated via BK receptors, the BK antagonists are allowed to be present in the bathing buffer for 30 min before the purported agonist is tested. Results for agonist are expressed as gram tension developed and as % maximum response of each of the compounds relative to BK (1 μM; positive control; set at 100%). A suitable BK antagonist (10 μM), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; and Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), should almost completely block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay. Agonists active in these assays should exhibit at least a potency (EC₅₀ value, i.e. agonist compound concentration producing 50% of the maximum response) of 0.01-1,000 nM to be considered suitable for the current embodiments. However, BK agonists with lower potencies than the above limits, whether partial or full agonists, can still be considered useful ocular hypotensive agents and may be useful as such.

Functional Assay Measuring [³H]-Inositol Phosphates or Inositol Phosphate-1 Production in Cultured Cells

A functional assay involving measurement of the second messengers inositol phosphates in human ocular cells involved in IOP-modulation, including h-TM, h-CM or NPE cells, can be performed as previously described (Sharif et al., Neurosci. Lett. 86: 279-283, 1988; Sharif and Whiting, Neurochem. Res. 12: 1313-1320, 1993; Sharif and Xu, Exp. Eye Res. 63: 631-637, 1996; Sharif et al. J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 19: 437-455, 2003; Sharif et al., J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 18: 141-162, 2002). In addition, cells expressing human recombinant B₂ and B₁ BK receptors can be used for such studies. Thus, phospholipase C-mediated phosphoinositide (PI) turnover assays involve the measurement of agonist-stimulated production of [³H]-inositol phosphates ([³H]-IPs) by anion-exchange chromatography. Confluent h-TM, h-CM or other relevant human or animal ocular or non-ocular cells or cells expressing recombinant (preferably human) BK receptors cultured in 24- or 48-well culture plates are exposed for 24 hrs at 37° C. to 2-3 μCi [³H]-myo-inositol (18-20 Ci/mmol; Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Arlington Heights, Ill.) in 1.0 ml of the respective serum-free medium in order to label inositol-containing cell membrane phospholipids.

Cells are then rinsed once with DMEM/F-12 culture medium containing 10 mM LiCl prior to incubation with the test compound at various concentrations (or solvent vehicle as the control) in 0.5 ml of the same medium for 1 h at 37° C. After this time, the medium is aspirated and 1 ml of ice-cold 0.1 M formic acid is added. When the antagonist effects of BK antagonists are studied, these are added to the cells 15 min prior to exposure to the agonists and the incubation continued for another hour. The anion exchange chromatographic separation of [³H]-IPs on an AG-1-X8 column is performed as previously with sequential washes with H₂O and 50 mM ammonium formate, followed by elution of the total [³H]-IPs fraction with 1.2 M ammonium formate containing 0.1 M formic acid. Each eluate (4 ml) is collected into a scintillation vial, mixed with 15 ml scintillation fluid, and the total [³H]-IPs determined by scintillation counting on a Beckman LS6000 β-counter (Beckman Instruments, Fullerton, Calif.). All reagent and test compound additions to the assay plates are made using Biomek 2000 robotic workstations (Beckman Instruments, Fullerton, Calif.). In the above protocol, ocular cells can be substituted with cells from animal tissues or cells that express recombinant BK receptors (Aramori et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 52: 16-20, 1997; Asano et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 124: 441-446, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004). The data are then analyzed using an automated, iterative, sigmoidal curve-fitting computer program to obtain the potency and intrinsic activities of the test agents as previously described (Sharif et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 286: 1094-1102, 1998; Sharif et al. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 39:2562-2571, 1998; Kelly et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 304: 238-245, 2003). The sources of materials and reagents for such assays can be found in the references cited above. Compounds that significantly and in a concentration-dependent manner stimulate the production of [³H]-IPs above the basal levels can be classified as BK agonists. Agonists active in these assays should exhibit at least a potency (EC₅₀ value) of 0.01-1,000 nM to be considered suitable for the current embodiments. However, BK agonists with lower potencies than the above limits, whether partial or full agonists, can still be considered useful ocular hypotensive agents and may be useful as such. A suitable BK antagonist (10 μM), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), should almost completely block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay.

Another method for measuring inositol phosphate-1 (IP1) generated endogenously by PI hydrolysis involves a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF®) detection method using cells expressing endogenous BK receptors or Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with human BK receptors. The cells are suspended in IP1 stimulation buffer containing Hepes 10 mM, CaCl₂ 1 mM, MgCl₂ 0.5 mM, KCl 4.2 mM, NaCl 146 mM, Glucose 5.5 mM, LiCl 50 mM pH 7.4, then distributed in microplates at a density of 40,000 cells/well (B₂ receptor assays) or 30,000 cells/well (B₁ receptor assays). Test compounds are added to the cells at various concentrations and incubated for 20 min at 37° C. Reference agonist bradykinin is added at a final concentration of 1 μM. For basal control measurements, separate assay wells do not contain bradykinin. Following the 20 min incubation at 37° C., the cells are lysed and the fluorescence acceptor (D2-labeled IP1) and fluorescence donor (anti-IP1 antibody labeled with europium cryptate) are added. After 60 min at room temperature, the fluorescence transfer is measured at λex=337 nm and λem=620 and 665 nm using a microplate reader. The results are expressed as a percent of the control response to 1 μM bradykinin.

Functional Assay Measuring of [Ca²⁺]_(i) Mobilization in Cultured Cells

A functional assay involving measurement of [Ca²⁺]_(i) mobilized by BK or test compounds in h-TM, h-CM or other relevant human or animal ocular or non-ocular cells or cells expressing recombinant (preferably human) BK receptors can be performed as previously described (Sharif et al. J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 19: 437-455, 2003; Sharif et al., J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 18: 141-162, 2002; Sharif et al. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Res. 47: 4001-4019, 2006; Sharif et al., J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 22: 291-309, 2006). Cells expressing recombinant BK receptors can be also used (Aramori et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 52: 16-20, 1997; Asano et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 124: 441-446, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004). Thus, BK-induced [Ca²⁺]_(i) mobilization can be studied using the Fluorescence Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR) instrument (Kelly and Sharif, J. Pharmacol. Expt. Ther. 317: 1254-1261, 2006). Cells expressing BK receptors are seeded at a density of about 20,000 cells/well in a black-wall, 96-well tissue culture plates and grown for 2 days.

On the day of the experiment, one vial of FLIPR Calcium Assay Kit dye is re-suspended in 50 mL of a FLIPR buffer consisting of Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS), 20 mM HEPES, and 2.5 mM probenecid, pH 7.4. Cells are loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye by addition of an equal volume (50 μL) to each well of the 96-well plate and incubated with dye for 1 h at 23° C. After this time, the test compound plate and cell plate are placed in the FLIPR instrument. At the beginning of an experimental run, a signal test is performed to check the basal fluorescence signal from the dye-loaded cells and the uniformity of the signal across the plate. The basal fluorescence is adjusted between 8000-12000 counts by modifying the exposure time, the camera F-stop, or the laser power. Instrument settings for a typical assay are the following: laser power 0.3-0.6 W, camera F-stop F/2, and exposure time 0.4 sec. An aliquot (25 μL) of BK solution (positive control) or the test compound is added to the existing 100 μL dye-loaded cells at a dispensing speed of 50 μL/sec.

Fluorescence data are collected in real-time at 1.0 sec intervals for the first 60 secs and at 6.0 sec intervals for an additional 120 secs. Responses are measured as peak fluorescence intensity minus basal and where appropriate are expressed as a percentage of a maximum BK-induced response [E. %]. When antagonist studies are performed, the latter are incubated with the cells for 15 minutes prior to the addition of BK or test compound. The data are then analyzed using an automated, iterative, sigmoidal curve-fitting computer program to obtain the potency and intrinsic activities of the test agents as previously described (Sharif et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 286: 1094-1102, 1998; Sharif et al. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 39:2562-2571, 1998; Kelly et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 304: 238-245, 2003). The sources of materials and reagents for such assays can be found in the references cited above. Compounds that significantly and in a concentration-dependent manner stimulate the mobilization of [Ca²⁺]_(i) above the basal levels can be classified as BK agonists. Test compounds that exhibit functional potencies (EC₅₀s) of 0.05-1,000 nM in this assay, whose actions can be blocked by specific BK antagonists (Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Sharma, Gen. Pharmacol., 24, 267-274, 1993; Abe et al., J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), can be considered suitable BK agonists. Agonists active in these assays should exhibit at least a potency (EC₅₀ value) of 0.01-1,000 nM to be considered suitable for the current embodiments. However, BK agonists with lower potencies than the above limits, whether partial or full agonists, can still be considered useful ocular hypotensive agents and may be useful as such. A suitable BK antagonist (10 μM), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), should almost completely block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay.

Functional Assay Measuring cGMP Production in Cultured Cells

A functional assay to discover BK agonists may involve the measurement of cGMP production (Pang et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 37: 1724-1731, 1996) in cells isolated from human or animal ocular or non-ocular tissues, or cells expressing recombinant (preferably human) BK receptors. Cells expressing BK receptors are seeded in 48-wells culture plates and allowed to reach confluence. After this time the cells are rinsed twice with 0.5 ml Dulbeco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/F-12. The cells are then pre-incubated for 20 minutes with 1.0 mM of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX; Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) at 23° C. after which BK or test compound (various concentrations ranging from 0.01 nM to 10 μM) is added and the incubation allowed to proceed for another 15 minutes at 23° C. After aspiration of the reaction medium, ice cold 0.1 M acetic acid (150 μL pH 3.5) is added for the termination of cGMP synthesis and cell lysis. Finally, ice cold 0.1 M sodium acetate (220 μL, pH 11.5-12.0) is added to neutralize the samples before analysis by a enzyme immunosorbant assay kit for cGMP (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, N.J.) according to the manufacturer's instructions using a robotic workstation (Biomek 2000; Beckman Instrument, Fullerton, Calif.).

When the effects of BK antagonists are investigated the latter are present in the assay mixture during the 20 min pre-incubation step. Test compounds that exhibit functional potencies (EC₅₀s) of 0.01-1,000 nM in this assay, whose actions can be blocked by specific BK antagonists (Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Sharma, Gen. Pharmacol., 24, 267-274, 1993; Abe et al., J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), can be considered suitable BK agonists. However, BK agonists with lower potencies than the above limits, whether partial or full agonists, can still be considered useful ocular hypotensive agents and may be useful as such. A suitable BK antagonist (10 μM), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), should almost completely block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay.

Functional Assay Measuring cAMP Production in Cultured Cells

A functional assay to discover BK agonists may involve the measurement of cAMP production (Crider and Sharif, J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 18: 221-230, 2002) in cells isolated from human or animal ocular or non-ocular tissues, or cells expressing recombinant (preferably human) BK receptors. Cells expressing BK receptors are seeded in 48-wells culture plates and allowed to reach confluence. After this time the cells are rinsed twice with 0.5 ml Dulbeco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/F-12. The cells are then pre-incubated for 20 minutes with 1.0 mM of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX; Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) at 23° C. after which BK or test compound (various concentrations ranging from 0.01 nM to 10 μM) is added and the incubation allowed to proceed for another 15 minutes at 23° C. After aspiration of the reaction medium, ice cold 0.1 M acetic acid (150 μL, pH 3.5) is added for the termination of cAMP synthesis and cell lysis. Finally, ice cold 0.1 M sodium acetate (220 μL, pH 11.5-12.0) is added to neutralize the samples before analysis by an enzyme immunosorbant assay kit for cAMP (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, N.J.) according to the manufacturer's instructions using a robotic workstation (Biomek 2000; Beckman Instrument, Fullerton, Calif.).

When the effects of BK antagonists are investigated the latter are present in the assay mixture during the 20 min pre-incubation step. Test compounds that exhibit functional potencies (EC₅₀s) of 0.01-1,000 nM in this assay, whose actions can be blocked by specific BK antagonists (Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Sharma, Gen. Pharmacol., 24, 267-274, 1993; Abe et al., J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), can be considered suitable BK agonists. Agonists active in these assays should exhibit at least a potency (EC₅₀ value) of 0.01-1,000 nM to be considered suitable for the current embodiments. However, BK agonists with lower potencies than the above limits, whether partial or full agonists, can still be considered useful ocular hypotensive agents and may be useful as such. A suitable BK antagonist (10 μM), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), should almost completely block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay.

A functional assay to discover BK agonists may involve the measurement of inhibition of forskolin-induced cAMP generation in cultured cells expressing human recombinant B₂-receptors or other cell types (Meini et al. Brit. J. Pharmacol. 143: 938-941, 2004; Sharif et al. J. Pharmac. Pharmacol. 56: 1267-1274, 2004). The assays are performed as described directly above except that the test agent is added along with IBMX during the pre-incubation period. The assay is initiated with the addition of forskolin (10 μM final), a direct activator of adenylyl cyclase, and allowing the incubation to continue for 15 min at 23° C. After this time the assay is terminated and the cAMP quantified as described above. Test compounds that exhibit functional potencies (EC₅₀s) of 0.01-1,000 nM in this assay, whose actions can be blocked by specific BK antagonists (Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Sharma, Gen. Pharmacol., 24, 267-274, 1993; Abe et al., J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), can be considered suitable BK agonists. Test agents should exhibit at least a potency (EC₅₀ value) of 0.01-1,000 nM to be considered suitable for the current embodiments. However, BK agonists with lower potencies than the above limits, whether partial or full agonists, can still be considered useful ocular hypotensive agents and may be useful as such. A suitable BK antagonist (10 μM), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), should almost completely block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay.

Functional Assay Measuring Prostaglandin E₂ Production in Cultured Cells

A functional assay to discover BK agonists may involve the measurement of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production (Wiernas et al. Brit. J. Pharmacol. 123: 1127-1137, 1998), for instance, in cells isolated from human or animal ocular or non-ocular tissues, or cells expressing recombinant (preferably human) BK receptors. Cells expressing BK receptors are seeded in 48-wells culture plates and allowed to reach confluence. After this time the cells are rinsed twice with 0.5 mL of phosphate buffered saline and incubated with the test agent made up in 0.5 mL Dulbeco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/F-12 for 1 h at 37° C. After this time the assay is terminated by placing the assay plates on ice and by the addition of 100 μL of a cell-lysis reagent supplied with the PGE₂ radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Arlington Heights, Ill.). All reagents and standards supplied in the RIA kit are prepared and the RIA performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Assay buffer, diluted PGE₂ standard and supernatant from the cell-based experiment (diluted 1:100 v/v) are then pipetted into appropriate tubes as specified in the kit instructions. The tracer solution (100 μL) is then added to each tube and mixed, followed by 100 μL antiserum to the appropriate tubes and thoroughly mixed. All tubes are then incubated overnight at 4° C.

After this incubation, all tubes are placed in an ice-bath and 1 ml cold precipitating reagent supplied in the kit is added to the tubes, the content mixed and incubated for 25 min at 4° C. The tubes are centrifuged in a refrigerated centrifuge at 2,000×g force for 30 min. The supernatants of all tubes are decanted as specified in the kit instructions and the RIA samples analyzed on a gamma-counter. The levels of PGE₂ generated by the test agent are then quantified in comparison with the PGE₂-standard curve. Dose-response data for the test agent are constructed and the potency and intrinsic activity determined as described above for other assays. Test compounds that exhibit functional potencies (EC₅₀s) of 0.01-1,000 nM in this assay, whose actions can be blocked by specific BK antagonists (Hall, Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Sharma, Gen. Pharmacol., 24, 267-274, 1993; Abe et al., J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), can be considered suitable BK agonists. Test agents that stimulate PGE₂ production in such assays can be classified as BK agonists and should exhibit at least a potency (EC₅₀ value) of 0.01-1,000 nM to be considered suitable for the current embodiments. However, BK agonists with lower potencies than the above limits, whether partial or full agonists, can still be considered useful ocular hypotensive agents and may be useful as such. A suitable BK antagonist (10 μM), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), should almost completely block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay.

Functional Assay Measuring NO Production in Cultured Cells

A functional assay to discover BK agonists may involve the measurement of nitric oxide (NO) production using a fluorescent probe (Leikert et al., FEBS Lett., 506: 131-134, 2001; Strijdom et al., J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol., 37: 897-902, 2004) or an NO-selective electrochemical sensor (Berkels et al., J. Appl. Physiol. 90: 317-320, 2001) in cells isolated from human or animal ocular or non-ocular tissues, or cells expressing recombinant (preferably human) BK receptors. The measurement of NO by using a the fluorescent probe 4,5-diaminoflurescein-2-diacetate (DAF-2) is based on the reaction of DAF-2 with NO in the presence of O₂ under neutral pH, yielding the highly fluorescent triazolofluorescein (DAF-2T). For this assay, cells expressing BK receptors are seeded in 24- or 48-wells culture plates and allowed to reach confluence. After rinsing with phosphate buffered saline the cells were pre-incubated with L-arginine (100 μM final) for 5 min at 37° C. in the dark. After this time, A23187 (1 μM) and DAF-2 (0.1 μM) are added to the cells and the incubation continued for another 5 min at 37° C. in the dark. The fluorescence of the supernatants can then be measured at 23° C. using a spectrofluorimeter with excitation wavelength set at 495 nm and emission wavelength at 515 nm and band width set at 10 nm for both excitation and emission under high sensitivity setting. A standard curve for the DAFF-2T fluorescence intensity and a curve correlating increasing amounts of NO (released from the NO-donor NOC-9 in the presence of EA.hy926 cells) to the fluorescence intensity obtained after addition of 0.1 μM DAF-2 is also generated to help quantify the amount of NO produced during the experiments with the test agents. A commercial kit to measure NO produced by BK receptor activation is available from Promega (Madison, Wis.). The data are analyzed and compound potencies determined as described for other assays above. Test agents that stimulate NO production in such assays can be classified as BK agonists and should exhibit at least a potency (EC₅₀ value) of 0.01-1,000 nM to be considered suitable for the current embodiments. However, BK agonists with lower potencies than the above limits, whether partial or full agonists, can still be considered useful ocular hypotensive agents and may be useful as such. A suitable BK antagonist (10 μM), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), should almost completely block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay.

Functional Assay Involving Measurement of MMP Activity

As with FP-class prostanoids, the IOP-lowering effects of BK may involve the stimulation of production of various MMPs that in turn digest the extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote outflow and thus lower IOP (Mietz et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 44: 5182-5188, 2003; Webb et al., J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 22: 310-316, 2006). Cells isolated from human or animal ocular or non-ocular tissues, or cells expressing recombinant (preferably human) BK receptors are seeded in 48-wells culture plates and allowed to reach confluence. After this time the cells are rinsed twice with 0.5 ml of phosphate buffered saline and incubated with the test agent made up in 0.5 ml Dulbeco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/F-12 for 1 h at 37° C. BK (100 nM) can be used a positive control compound. After this time the supernatant from each well is concentrated 20-fold (Centricon Concentrators; Millipore Corp., Bedford, Mass.). Equivalent volumes of media are then loaded onto 12% sodium dodicyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels, where the secreted proteins are separated according to their molecular weights by standard SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protocols and transferred onto nitrocellulose paper. The level of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 is then determined by immunoblot analysis with rabbit polyclonal anti-MMP antibodies. Bands are visualized by the addition of anti-rabbit horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibodies (New England Biolabs, Inc.; Beverly, Mass.) and enhanced chemiluminescent reagents (Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, Ill.) (Mietz et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 44: 5182-5188, 2003; Webb et al., J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 22: 310-316, 2006). BK agonists should stimulate the production of some or all of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9. Test agents that stimulate MMP production in such assays can be classified as BK agonists and should exhibit at least a potency (EC₅₀ value) of 0.01-1,000 nM to be considered suitable for the current embodiments. However, BK agonists with lower potencies than the above limits, whether partial or full agonists, can still be considered useful ocular hypotensive agents and may be useful as such. A suitable BK antagonist (10 μM), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), should almost completely block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay.

Functional Assay Involving Perfused Anterior Eye Segments

Anterior eye segments obtained from postmortem human, bovine or porcine eyes can be kept alive and can be used to study the effects of test agents on IOP or fluid outflow through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemms' canal (Erickson-Lamey et al., Curr. Eye Res. 7: 799-807, 1988; Vaajanen et al. J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 23: 124-131, 2007). The postmortem eyes are placed in DMEM containing 50 U/ml penicillin, 50 μg/mL streptomycin, and 5 μg/mL amphotericin B prior to dissection under sterile conditions. Eyes are bisected at the equator and the anterior chamber transferred to a petri dish. The lens is removed and the remaining choroid, iris, and ciliary body gently teased away. Once isolated, the corneaoscleral shell is attached to a perfusion chamber and perfused with DMEM supplemented with 50 U/mL penicillin and 50 μg/mL streptomycin. The entire perfusion apparatus is maintained in an incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ in air. Perfusion pressure for standard perfusion is maintained at a constant level of 10 mmHg, and rate of fluid outflow monitored continuously (i.e. by means of a Model ACCU 124 analytical balance; Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, Pa.) throughout the experiment. The rate of fluid flow is recorded by a computer utilizing Collect XL software (Lab Tronics, Inc; Guelph, Ontario, Canada). Outflow facility can be calculated as the ratio of flow rate to perfusion pressure (μL/min/mmHg).

Preparations are allowed to stabilize overnight (14-16 hr), and baseline facilities are then recorded over the next 40-60 min Only preparations with stable baselines and baseline facilities ranging from 0.4 to 1.8 μL/min/mmHg are to be used for the experiments. After baseline facility is established, test compounds are introduced into the perfusion system by medium exchange. When segments are treated with a BK antagonist, the latter is included in the perfusion medium during the stabilization period and following media exchange with the test compound. A BK agonist should increase the outflow facility flow and lower IOP. A suitable BK antagonist (10-30 μM), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004), should almost completely block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay (Webb et al. J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 22: 310-316, 2006). During the course of such studies the perfusates can be analyzed for endogenous agents such as neortransmitters or MMPs released by the BK agonist in order to study the possible mechanism(s) of action of the agonist.

In Vivo Assays to Detect Ocular Irritation Potential

Test agents are evaluated in animal models of ocular irritation to determine the comfort, overall safety, local side-effects and tolerability of the compound formulation. A single dose of the test agent or vehicle is instilled topically to one or both eyes of five rabbits. Gross observations are made of ocular irritation and behavior for two hours.

Acute Ocular Hyperemia Response in Guinea Pigs

Animals are hand-held under a 3× magnification lamp to score ocular hyperemia (ocular surface redness). Scoring can be accomplished as follows:

Sclera (Bulbar Conjunctiva)

-   -   0 Normal appearance of vessels at limbus and rectus muscle     -   1 Enlargement of vessels normally visible at limbus and rectus         muscle     -   2 Branching of vessels at limbus, new vessels visible     -   3 New vessels visible in open bulbar conjunctival areas     -   4 Diffuse redness in open bulbar conjunctival areas

After baseline ocular hyperemia is scored, test compound is instilled in one eye of each of six guinea pigs. A positive control or vehicle is instilled in one eye of each of six additional animals. Ocular hyperemia is scored at 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours post-dose. The % Incidence of hyperemia is calculated as number of scores >2 after drug instillation, divided by the total number of readings (i.e., 24 total number of readings: n=6 eyes scored at 4 time points), times 100. Scores are 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 in a system devised by this lab based on the visibility of branching in the upper limbal and bulbar conjunctival blood vessels (an indication of blood vessel dilation only).

In Vivo Efficacy and Duration of Action Assays

Agents that can specifically activate native BK receptors present in the anterior chamber of the eye or other ocular tissues/compartments that are intimately involved in aqueous humor dynamics and IOP lowering can be discovered by administering the test compound in a suitable formulation to the eyes of TM-lasered or naturally ocular hypotensive cynomolgus monkeys (or other non-human primates such as rhesus monkeys) and measuring the IOP using a pneumatonometer after light corneal anesthesia with 0.1% proparacaine (Sharif et al. J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 17: 305-317, 2001; May et al., J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 306: 301-309, 2003; Sharif et al. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Res. 47: 4001-4010, 2006). In addition, well characterized BK agonists can be applied topical ocularly (or injected into the anterior chamber of the eye or injected intravitreally) to determine their ability to influence IOP in various animal models, especially the ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkey model as described above. Monkeys may also be anesthetized using intramuscularly administered ketamine to make the topical ocular dosing easier for the investigator (Toris et al. J. Glaucoma 14: 70-73, 2005; Toris et al. J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 22: 86-92, 2006). However, sedation may change the over efficacy of the test agent.

Some compound classes are known to lower IOP in the rabbit. For these classes single-dose and dose-response studies are conducted in the rabbit. Compounds with acceptable activity are then evaluated in the lasered monkey model.

Acute IOP Response in Rabbit Eyes

IOP is determined with an applanation pneumatonometer after light corneal anesthesia with 0.1% proparacaine. After baseline IOP measurements are taken, one eye of each of 7-10 (or both eyes of 5) rabbits per compound dose is topically dosed with compound. Either the contralateral eye is dosed with vehicle or a separate group of rabbits is used for vehicle control. Subsequent IOP measurements are taken at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours. In cases where the compound has poor ocular bioavailability, the compound may need to be administered intracamerally or intravitreally in order to observe the IOP-lowering efficacy.

IOP Response in Lasered (Hypertensive) Eyes of Cynomolgus Monkeys

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is determined with an Alcon Pneumatonometer (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, Tex.) after light corneal anesthesia with 0.1% proparacaine. Right eyes are hypertensive as a result of laser trabeculoplasty. After a baseline IOP measurement, test compound is instilled in the right eyes only of 8-10 cynomolgus monkeys. Vehicle is instilled in the right eyes of 5-6 additional animals. Subsequent IOP measurements are taken at 1, 3, and 6 hours. IOP measurements are also taken on left eyes (normotensive and untreated) at each of these time points. The percent change in IOP from baseline is determined for each animal for every IOP measurement (Sharif et al. J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 17: 305-317, 2001; May et al., J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 306: 301-309, 2003; Sharif et al. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Res. 47: 4001-4010, 2006). Group mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) are calculated for each time point. A suitable BK antagonist (1% w/v), such as HOE-140 or WIN-64338 or others (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,831; Hall, J. M., Pharmacol. Ther., 56, 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 57: 27-77, 2005; Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004) dosed topical ocularly 30-90 min prior to the test agent should block the effect of any BK agonist or test agent active in this assay. In cases where the compound of invention has poor ocular bioavailability, the compound may need to be administered intracamerally or intravitreally in order to observe the IOP-lowering efficacy.

All references cited in this application are expressly incorporated by reference herein for any purpose.

Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

EXAMPLES

The following examples, including the experiments conducted and results achieved are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

Example 1 Bradykinin and its Receptor mRNAs are Expressed in Relevant Ocular Cells and Tissues

Molecular biological techniques were used to demonstrate the presence of mRNAs for the precursor protein for BK (kininogen) and the two receptors for BK (B₁- and B₂-types) in numerous human ocular tissues and cells including relatively high levels in the most relevant ones involved in aqueous humor dynamics and IOP modulation, namely TM and CB (Tables 1 and 2).

TABLE 1 Microarray Analysis of BK Precursor (Kinnogen) and BK Receptor mRNAs Expression in Normal Human Ocular Tissues Normalized Levels of mRNAs (normalized expression based on GC-RMA algorithm) Tissue Kininogen B₁-Receptor B₂-Receptor Trabecular 0.92 0.5 1.04 meshwork Ciliary body 0.9 0.9 1.09 Optic nerve head 1.14 0.53 0.96 Sclera 0.63 0.45 2.47 Iris 0.69 0.5 1.1 Lens 0.65 0.42 0.72 Optic nerve 0.64 0.42 0.61 Choroid 0.63 0.42 0.91 Cornea 0.61 0.48 1.6 Retina 0.49 0.43 0.54

TABLE 2 Microarray Analysis of BK Precursor (Kinnogen) and BK Receptor mRNAs Expression in Normal and Glaucomatous Human TM Cells and Tissues Normalized Levels of mRNAs (normalized expression based on GC-RMA algorithm) Normal TM Glaucomatous Normal TM Glaucomatous Cells TM Cells Tissue TM Tissue Kininogen 1.0 0.62 1.0 2.48 B₁-receptor 1.0 0.91 1.0 0.9 B₂-receptor 1.0 2.02 1.0 0.94

Since the up-regulation of the cytokine transforming growth factor-β₂ (TGF-β₂) has been implicated as a possible causative factor in the etiology of ocular hypertension and glaucoma (Tripathi et al., Exp. Eye Res., 59: 723-727, 1994; Fuchshofer et al., Exp. Eye Res. 77: 757-765, 2003), it was of significance that exogenous exposure of h-TM cells derived from normal and glaucomatous h-TM tissues to TGF-β₂ for 90 min or 16 hrs resulted in down-regulation of B₂-receptor mRNA in normal h-TM cells (also in glaucomatous h-TM cells at the 16 hr time-point) (Table 3). In contrast, the B₁-receptor mRNA was up-regulated after 90 min but down-regulated after 16 hrs treatment with TGF-β₂ in glaucomatous h-TM cells (Table 3).

TABLE 3 Microarray Analysis of BK Receptor mRNAs Expression in Normal and Glaucomatous in TGF_(β2)- Treated Human TM Cells Normalized Levels of mRNAs (normalized expression based on GC-RMA algorithm mean ± SEM) Normal h-TM Cells Glaucomatous h-TM Cells TGF_(β2)-Treated TGF_(β2)-Treated TGF_(β2)-Treated TGF_(β2)-Treated Control (after 1.5 hr) (after 16 hr) Control (after 1.5 hr) (after 16 hr) B₁-receptor nd nd nd 0.99 ± 0.58 1.54 ± 0.09 0.53 ± 0.05 (p < 0.01) (p < 0.02) B2-receptor 0.99 ± 0.06 0.68 ± 0.05 0.14 ± 0.11 0.99 ± 0.04 0.97 ± 0.06 0.24 ± 0.06 (p < 0.04) (p < 0.08) (p < 0.69) (p < 0.02) GC-RMA = gene chip robust multi-array analysis; nd = not determined

Example 2 Functional Bradykinin Receptor are Expressed in Relevant Ocular Cells and Tissues

While the detection of mRNAs for kininogen and both B₁- and B₂-receptors and their modulation by TGF-β₂ was considered important, the demonstration of the existence of the functional receptor proteins in the IOP-modulating cells was critical. Accordingly, we discovered and pharmacologically characterized B₂-receptor proteins in h-TM, h-CM and h-NPE cells coupled to the enzyme phospholipase C. The activation of these B₂-receptors by BK, BK-analogs and the non-peptide BK-mimetics, FR-190997 and compound 1, resulted in the generation of intracellular second messengers, inositol phosphates, which in turn mobilized [Ca²⁺]_(i) in these cells (Table 4; FIG. 1 a,b).

TABLE 4 Functional Agonist Potency and Intrinsic Activity of BK-, BK-related Peptides- and FR-190997-induced [Ca²⁺]_(i) Mobilization in Human TM, CM, and NPE Cells Potency (EC₅₀; nM) and Intrinsic Activity (E_(max), % max relative to BK) Compound h-TM Cells h-CM Cells h-NPE Cells FR-190997 167 ± 29  174 ± 21  384 ± 39   (86 ± 4%)  (63 ± 2%)  (32 ± 1%) Compound 1 290 ± 75  237 ± 29  709 ± 54   (93 ± 5%)  (96 ± 6%)  (86 ± 5%) BK 0.8 ± 0.2 2.4 ± 0.2 6.3 ± 1.4 (110 ± 1%)  (104 ± 4%)   (98 ± 3%) Hyp³-BK 0.9 ± 0.3 2.2 ± 0.2 6.0 ± 0.6   (110 ± 1.4%) (105 ± 1%)   (93 ± 3%) Lys-BK 1.9 ± 0.2 3.2 ± 0.8 19.6 ± 0.9  (115 ± 2%)  (115 ± 4%)   (90 ± 1%) Met-Lys-BK 6.5 ± 1.5 16.1 ± 6.1  125 ± 10  (111 ± 3%)  (110 ± 9%)   (77 ± 1%) Des-Arg⁹-BK 2,570 ± 756   4,260 ± 572   16,000 ± 1,270  (112 ± 5%)   (94 ± 1%)  (70 ± 2%) Data are mean ± SEM from up to 13 independent experiments using a [Ca²⁺]_(i) mobilization assay in cells derived from two different human donors' eyes (for h-TM and h-TM cells). h-NPE cells are immortalized human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells derived from the ciliary body. FR-190997 and Compound 1 are a non-peptide BK agonists (Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004). Additional agonist potencies were also defined using the HTRF-based assay measuring production of endogenous IP1 from PI turnovers in CHO cells expressing human cloned B₂-receptors: BK EC₅₀ = 5.6 ± 1.8 nM; FR-190997 EC₅₀ = 21 ± 5% nM; Compound 1 EC₅₀ = 38 ± 11 nM). These compounds were inactive at the B₁-receptor transfected in CHO cells.

(Compound 1 is from Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004)

Importantly also, the agonist effects of FR-190997 could be blocked by the potent B₂-receptor antagonists HOE-140 and WIN-64338 (Hall, Pharmacol. Ther. 56: 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Ther. 57: 27-77, 2005) in h-TM, h-CM and h-NPE cells (Table 5; FIG. 2). In addition, h-CM cells exposed to 1 μM FR-190997 exhibited significantly higher levels of MMP-1 activity (59% above basal levels) and MMP-3 (96% above basal levels), but not MMP-2 activity, after 24 hour exposure to this BK agonist. Enhancement of such MMP synthesis and release by h-CM in response to FR-190997 may explain the efficacious IOP-lowering observed with this BK agonist in the glaucomatous monkey eyes (see below). FR-190997 (1-10 μM) also induced the production of prostaglandins in h-CM cells (1.75 fold above basal) and h-NPE cells (1.26 fold above basal).

TABLE 5 Antagonism of FR-190997-induced [Ca²⁺]_(i) Mobilization by Different BK B₂-Receptor Antagonists in Human TM, CM, and NPE Cells Antagonist Potency (K_(i); nM) Compound h-TM Cells h-CM Cells h-NPE Cells HOE-140 7.0 ± 0.4 0.8 ± 0.1 4.6 ± 0.8 WIN-64338 425 ± 47  157 ± 13  197 ± 50  FR-165649  70; 157  55; 163 146 FR-167344  68; 349 45; 71 124 FR-173657 110; 317  68; 114 439 Data are mean ± SEM using FR-190997 as the agonist and HOE-140 (a peptide BK antagonist and WIN-64339 (a non-peptide BK antagonist) (Hall, Pharmacol. Ther. 56: 131-190, 1992; Leeb-Lundberg et al., Pharmacol. Ther. 57: 27-77, 2005). FR-165649, FR-167344 and FR-173657 are additional non-peptide BK antagonists (Abe et al. J. Med. Chem. 41: 4053-4061, 1998; Sawada et al., J. Med. Chem. 47: 2853-2863, 2004) whose data from each individual experiment are shown above.

Example 3 Non-Peptide Bradykinin Agonists Lower IOP in Monkey Eyes

It was important to first demonstrate that the parent peptide bradykinin (BK) could lower IOP. Since peptides such as BK do not readily penetrate the cornea when administered topical ocularly, rabbit studies employed another route of administration. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3 a, intravitreally administered BK (50 ng) profoundly lowered rabbit IOP relative to the effect of the vehicle alone. These results provided evidence that activation of the BK receptor caused ocular hypotension.

Since initial studies indicated that non-peptidic BK agonists lowered IOP in ocular hypertensive monkey eyes when administered topical ocularly, all subsequent studies in the monkeys utilized this route of administration. Thus, the non-peptide BK-mimetics, FR-190997 and Compound 1, when dosed topical ocularly to conscious ocular hypertensive eyes of cynomolgus monkeys produced significant dose-dependent lowering of IOP (0.03-600 μg/eye) (Tables 6-8; FIGS. 3 b-5). The IOP-lowering effect was slow to develop but significant IOP reduction was observed even 3 hours post-dosing with maximum ocular hypotension observed 16-48 hours post-dosing (Tables 6-8; FIGS. 3 b-5).

TABLE 6 IOP-Lowering Activity of FR-190997 in Conscious Ocular Hypertensive Monkey Eyes % Change in IOP % Change in IOP Dose/Time Study 1 Dose/Time Study 2 Study 3 post-dose (hr) (30 μg) post-dose (hr) (3 μg) (10 μg) Dose 1/1 hr −4.6 ± 4.4 Dose 1/24 hr −25.9 ± 0.6 −27.2 ± 0.1 Dose 1/3 hr −16.4 ± 5.3  Dose 1/48 hr −19.7 ± 1.9 −32.5 ± 2.4 Dose 1/6 hr −34.5 ± 7.5   Dose 1/120 hr  −7.7 ± 0.8  −9.7 ± 0.6 Dose 2/16 hr −51.6 ± 5.4  Dose 2/40 hr −35.5 ± 6.3  Dose 2/132 hr −3.5 ± 3.7 Data are mean ± SEM from 8-9 monkeys per study using two different groups of monkeys. The baseline IOPs were 36.7-39.7 mmHg for these studies. The topical ocular dose is shown in parentheses. The vehicle had no effect on IOP. The IOP in the contralateral normotensive eyes was also unaffected by the drug. However, it was noteworthy that even 0.3 μg (−22.2% and −19% at 24 hr and 48 hrs) and 1 μg (−24.3% and −18.8% at 24 hr and 48 hr) topical ocular doses of FR-190997 induced significant IOP-lowering 24 hr and 48 hrs post-dosing in the ocular hypertensive eyes.

TABLE 7 IOP-Lowering Activity of Compound 1 in Conscious Ocular Hypertensive Monkey Eyes % Change in IOP Dose/Time post-dose (hr) (dose = 30 μg) Dose 1/3 hr −12.5 ± 3.4 Dose 1/6 hr −18.9 ± 6.6 Dose 2/24 hr −26.6 ± 5.4 Dose 2/48 hr −15.1 ± 3.9 Data are mean ± SEM from 8-9 monkeys

TABLE 8 IOP-Lowering Activity of FR-190997 in Conscious Ocular Hypertensive Monkey Eyes % Change in IOP Dose/Time Study 1 Study 2 Study 3 Study 4 post-dose (hr) (300 μg) (300 μg) (600 μg) (600 μg) Dose 1/1 hr   2.0 ± 0.6   6.7 ± 2.1 −0.4 ± 0.2   4.9 ± 1.6 Dose 1/3 hr −6.9 ± 2.9 −7.5 ± 3.1 −10.6 ± 4.4  −4.6 ± 2.0 Dose 1/6 hr −24.8 ± 10.3 −15.4 ± 5.7  −27.7 ± 11.3 −18.4 ± 6.9  Dose 2/16 hr −37.9 ± 14.1 Dose 2/40 hr −31.2 ± 11.7 Dose 2/64 hr −16.1 ± 6.1  Data are mean ± SEM from 8-9 monkeys per study using two different groups of monkeys. The baseline IOPs were 37.4, 33.7, 37.4 and 37 mmHg, respectively, for these studies. The topical ocular dose is shown in parentheses. The vehicle had no effect on IOP. The IOP in the contralateral normotensive eyes was also unaffected.

In order to better understand the time-course of action of FR-190997, a pharmacokinetic study was performed in rabbit eyes using a single 300 μg topical ocular dose of FR-190997. Interestingly, the peak aqueous humor level of FR-190997 (139 nM) were achieved 3 hrs post-dosing (Table 9), somewhat reflecting the onset of IOP-lowering observed in the ocular hypertensive monkey eyes (Table 6; FIG. 4) even though there may be species differences in the ocular bioavailability of this compound. Due to the activation of multiple signaling pathways by BK (see above), and presumably FR-190997, and the convergence and amplification of the down-stream biochemical reactions in the target cells/tissues, it is quite possible that activation of only a few BK receptors by FR-190997 may result in quite profound IOP-lowering.

TABLE 9 Aqueous Humor Concentration of FR-190997 After Topical Ocular Dosing of Rabbit Eyes Aqueous Humor Ciliary Body Concentration Concentration Time Post-dosing (nM) (nM) 0.5 hr 0.9 ± 0.2 2.75 ± 1.7  1.0 hr 16.0 ± 4.7  5.52 ± 1.68 1.5 hr 3.1 ± 1.1 nd   3 hr 138.7 ± 113.6 26.4 ± 7.9    6 hr 16.6 ± 4.6  37.0 ± 10.6 Data are mean ± SEM from 4-6 rabbit eyes per time-point. nd = not determined.

Example 4 Non-Peptide Bradykinin Antagonists do not Lower IOP in Monkey Eyes

It was noteworthy also that while the B₂-selective non-peptide agonists FR-190997 and Compound 1 profoundly lowered IOP in the ocular hypertensive monkey eyes, that even 300 μg of topically administered non-peptide BK antagonists (LF-23-1591, WIN-64338 and FR-165649) failed to modulate IOP (Table 10).

TABLE 10 Lack of Ocular Hypotensive Activity of Non-Pepetide B₁- and B₂-Receptor Antagonists in Conscious Ocular Hypertensive Cynomolgus Monkey Eyes % Change in IOP Dose/time post- LF-23-1591 WIN-64338 FR-165649 dose (B₁-Antagonist) (B₂-Antagonist) (B₂-Antagonist) Dose 1/1 hr −4.8 ± 1.1 1.7 ± 1.6   1.0 ± 3.1 Dose 1/3 hr −6.6 ± 2.1 −10.4 ± 2.8      0.7 ± 3.5 Dose 1/6 hr −6.8 ± 2.2 1.3 ± 1.3 −6.2 ± 4.7 Dose 1/24 hr nd nd −4.0 ± 3.2 Data are mean ± SEM from 8-9 monkeys per study using two different groups of monkeys. The baseline IOPs were 37.4, 33.7, 37.4 and 37 mmHg, respectively, for these studies. The topical ocular dose of each non-peptide antagonist was 300 μg. The vehicle had no effect on IOP. The IOP in the contralateral normotensive eyes was also unaffected.

Example 5 Non-Peptide Bradykinin Agonists Stimulate Production of Endogenous Prostaglandin TM Cells

The ability of BK agonists to stimulate prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production was examined as follows. Human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells were seeded in culture plates and allowed to reach confluence. After this time, the cells were rinsed twice with 0.5 mL of phosphate buffered saline and incubated with BK (100 nM or 1 μM), fluprostenol (1 μM), FR-190997 (1 μM or 10 μM), or another non-peptide BK agonist (AL-49796; 1 μM or 10 μM) made up in 0.5 mL Dulbeco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/F-12 for 1 h at 37° C. Fluprostenol was used as a positive control. After this time the assay was terminated by placing the assay plates on ice and by the addition of 100 μL of a cell-lysis reagent supplied with the PGE₂ radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Arlington Heights, Ill.). All reagents and standards supplied in the RIA kit were prepared and the RIA performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Assay buffer, diluted prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) standard and supernatant from the cell-based experiment (diluted 1:100 v/v) were then pipetted into appropriate tubes as specified in the kit instructions. The tracer solution (100 μL) was then added to each tube and mixed, followed by 100 μL antiserum to the appropriate tubes and thoroughly mixed. All tubes were then incubated overnight at 4° C.

After this incubation, all tubes were placed in an ice-bath and 1 ml cold precipitating reagent supplied in the kit was added to the tubes, the content mixed and incubated for 25 min at 4° C. The tubes were centrifuged in a refrigerated centrifuge at 2,000×g force for 30 min. The supernatants of all tubes were decanted as specified in the kit instructions and the RIA samples analyzed on a gamma-counter. The levels of PGE₂ generated by the test agent were then quantified in comparison with the PGE₂-standard curve. Dose-response data for the test agent were constructed and the potency and intrinsic activity determined as described above for other assays. As shown in FIG. 6, both FR-190997 (referred to as AL-42205 in the Figure) and another non-peptide BK agonist (referred to as AL-49795 in the Figure) stimulated production of endogenous prostaglandins in human TM cells.

Example 6 Acute IOP Response in Mouse Eyes

The effect of non-peptide BK agonists on IOP in mice was examined as follows. IOP is determined with an applanation pneumatonometer after light corneal anesthesia with 0.1% proparacaine. After baseline IOP measurements were taken, one eye of each of 8 mice was topically dosed with 0.1% FR-190997 in the formulation described in Example 10 or the vehicle of Example 10. The contralateral eye was dosed with vehicle as a control. Subsequent IOP measurements were taken at 6 and 24 hours. As shown in FIG. 7, non-peptide BK agonists can lower IOP in ocular normotensive mice.

Example 7 Non-Peptide Bradykinin Agonists Increases Outflow Facility in Perfused Anterior Eye Segments

Anterior eye segments obtained from postmortem porcine eyes were used to study the effects of non-peptide agonists on fluid outflow through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemms' canal (Erickson-Lamey et al., Curr. Eye Res. 7: 799-807, 1988; Vaajanen et al. J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 23: 124-131, 2007). The postmortem eyes were placed in DMEM containing 50 U/ml penicillin, 50 μg/mL streptomycin, and 5 μg/mL amphotericin B prior to dissection under sterile conditions. Eyes were bisected at the to equator and the anterior chamber transferred to a petri dish. The lens was removed and the remaining choroid, iris, and ciliary body gently teased away. Once isolated, the corneaoscleral shell was attached to a perfusion chamber and perfused with DMEM supplemented with 50 U/mL penicillin and 50 μg/mL streptomycin. The entire perfusion apparatus was maintained in an incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ in air. Perfusion pressure for standard perfusion was maintained at a constant level of 10 mmHg, and rate of fluid outflow monitored continuously (i.e. by means of a Model ACCU 124 analytical balance; Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, Pa.) throughout the experiment. The rate of fluid flow was recorded by a computer utilizing Collect XL software (Lab Tronics, Inc; Guelph, Ontario, Canada). Outflow facility was calculated as the ratio of flow rate to perfusion pressure (μL/min/mmHg).

Preparations were allowed to stabilize overnight (14-16 hr), and baseline facilities were then recorded for 40-60 min. Only preparations with stable baselines and baseline facilities ranging from 0.4 to 1.8 μL/min/mmHg were used for the experiments. After baseline facility was established, 1 μM FR-190997 was introduced into the perfusion system by medium exchange. As shown in FIG. 8, FR-190997 increased the outflow facility flow, which lowers IOP.

Example 8 Non-Peptide BK Agonist Reduces IOP Response in Lasered (Hypertensive) Eyes of Cynomolgus Monkeys

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was determined with an Alcon Pneumatonometer (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, Tex.) after light corneal anesthesia with 0.1% proparacaine. Right eyes were hypertensive as a result of laser trabeculoplasty. After a baseline IOP measurement, FR-190997 was instilled in the right eyes only of 12 cynomolgus monkeys. Vehicle was instilled in the right eyes of 5-6 additional animals. Subsequent IOP measurements were taken at 8, 25, and 27.5 hours. IOP measurements are also taken on left eyes (normotensive and untreated) at each of these time points. The percent change in IOP from baseline was determined for each animal for every IOP measurement (Sharif et al. J. Ocular Pharmacol. Ther. 17: 305-317, 2001; May et al., J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 306: 301-309, 2003; Sharif et al. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Res. 47: 4001-4010, 2006). Group mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated for each time point. As shown in FIG. 9, FR-190997 lowered IOP compared with vehicle.

Example 9 Non-Peptide Bradykinin Agonists Stimulate Uveoscleral Outflow of Aqueous Humor in Cynomolgus Monkeys

Methods used in this Example were described by Yablonski et al. Invest Ophthalmol V is Sci 1987; 28:2076-2082; Hayashi et al. Exp Eye Res 1989; 48:621-625; Mäepea et al. Exp Eye Res 1989; 49:645-663, and as below:

Twelve female cynomolgus monkeys between the ages of 5 and 8 years were included in the study. All had unilateral laser treatment to the trabecular meshwork of the left eye. Lasering had been done between 2 and 4 years before the study.

Measurements were made on baseline day and after AL-42205-01 (FR-190997) treatment to both eyes. When necessary, sedation was induced by ketamine hydrochloride (HCl), 1 to 5 mg/kg, administered intramuscularly 5 minutes before a measurement to achieve pharmacological restraint. Animals were seated in specially designed chairs for all tonometry and fluorophotometry measurements. Fifteen hours prior to each study day, IOP₁ was measured with a pneumatonometer (Classic 30, Xomed, Jacksonville, Fla.) after topical application of proparacaine HCl, 0.13%. Fluorescein (10%) was applied to the cornea by topical drops. Measurements commenced at 8:30-9:00 a.m. the following day with tonometry (IOP₂). The fluorescence of the cornea and anterior chamber were measured in duplicate with a scanning fluorophotometer (Fluorotron, OcuMetrics, Palo Alto, Calif.). Scans were taken at 45 minute intervals for a total of 4 sets. These data were used to determine aqueous flow (F_(a)).

After the fourth set of scans and another IOP measurement (IOP₃), an intramuscular injection of acetazolamide (12-20 mg/kg) was administered to reduce IOP by reducing aqueous flow. The dose of acetazolamide for individual monkeys depended on its IOP efficacy in previous studies. Fluorophotometric scans and IOP measurements were repeated 0.75, 1.50 and 2.25 hours after acetazolamide injection. Fluorophotometric outflow facility (C_(fl)) was calculated as the ratio of the change in aqueous flow to the change in IOP. The average of the three calculations is the value reported in Table 11. Uveoscleral outflow (F_(us)) was calculated by the equation F_(us)=F_(a)−C_(fl) (IOP₃−P_(ev)) where P_(ev) is the episcleral venous pressure. A value of 15 mmHg was used. The final measurement was two-minute tonography. The tonography mode of the pneumatonometer was used. Calculations were made using PowerLab and Excel.

Treatment measurements were collected between 6 and 21 days after baseline measurements. The day before the measurement day, conscious IOP was measured (IOP₁; 9:00 AM) and one drop of 30 μl of AL-42205-01 0.01% (in matrix vehicle) was applied to both eyes. The drug was used within a week of receipt. It was stored refrigerated before use. Conscious IOP was measured again (IOP₂; 5 PM) just before fluorescein was applied as before. The day of fluorophotometry, all measurements were made under sedation as on baseline day.

Values were compared between eyes on each day and baseline values were compared with post-treatment values using Student's two-tailed paired t-test (Table 11). Values are reported as means± standard deviation (SD).

TABLE 11 The non-peptide bradykinin agonist (AL-42205; FR-190997) stimulates uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor from ocular hypertensive eyes of ketamine-sedated cynomolgus monkeys Baseline Day Treatment Day Normotensive Hypertensive Hypertensive Eye OD* n Eye OS* n p-values‡ Eye OS* n p-values§ F_(a) 1.63 ± 0.54 12 1.54 ± 0.80 12 0.50 1.48 ± 0.53 12 0.79 C_(fl) 0.42 ± 0.21 9 0.16 ± 0.17 12 0.00 0.18 ± 0.16 9 0.47 C_(ton) 0.22 ± 0.14 12 0.15 ± 0.09 10 0.21 0.17 ± 0.11 9 0.59 Fu_(fl) 0.16 ± 0.51 7 0.47 ± 0.57 11 0.14 1.23 ± 0.91 9 0.00 Fu_(ton) 0.48 ± 0.99 12 0.37 ± 1.04 9 0.46 1.45 ± 0.45 10 0.03 ACvol 76.0 ± 11.3 12 79.9 ± 9.12 12 0.16 79.8 ± 9.2  12 0.74 CCT 0.48 ± 0.03 12 0.48 ± 0.03 12 0.36 0.48 ± 0.03 12 0.74 *Values are means ± standard deviation. ‡comparing hypertensive with contralateral normotensive eyes; §comparing baseline day with treatment day, Student's two-tailed, paired t-test. ACvol, anterior chamber volume, μl; CCT, central cornea thickness, mm; C_(fl), fluorophotometric outflow facility, μl/min/mmHg; C_(ton), tonographic outflow facility, μl/min/mmHg; F_(a), aqueous flow, μl/min; F_(fl), uveoscleral outflow calculated with C_(fl), μl/min; Fu_(ton), uveoscleral outflow calculated with C_(ton), μl/min; Times are 30 minutes.

The following are examples of various formulations that can be used in the methods of the invention.

Example 10

Ingredients Amount (wt %) Active Compound 0.00005-1.0%   Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose     0.5% Dibasic sodium phosphate (anhydrous)  0.2-0.5% Sodium chloride 0.5-0.75% Disodium EDTA (Edetate disodium)    0.01% Polysorbate 80    0.05% Benzalkonium chloride    0.01% Sodium hydroxide/Hydrochloric acid For adjusting pH to 7.3-7.4 Purified water q.s. to 100%

Example 11

Ingredients Amount (wt %) Active Compound 0.00005-1.0%      Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose  0.5% Cremophor EL  0.1% Tromethamine, USP, AR 0.64% Mannitol, USP  3.0% Boric acid, USP  0.3% Dibasic sodium phosphate (anhydrous)  0.2% Sodium chloride  0.5% Disodium EDTA (Edetate disodium) 0.01% Polysorbate 80 0.05% Benzalkonium chloride 0.01% Sodium hydroxide/Hydrochloric acid For adjusting pH to 7.3-7.4 Purified water q.s. to 100%

Example 12

Ingredients Amount (wt %) Active Compound 0.00005-1.0%      Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin  4.0% Dibasic sodium phosphate (anhydrous)  0.2% Sodium chloride  0.5% Disodium EDTA (Edetate disodium) 0.01% Polysorbate 80 0.05% Benzalkonium chloride 0.01% Sodium hydroxide/Hydrochloric acid For adjusting pH to 7.3-7.4 Purified water q.s. to 100%

Example 13

Ingredients Amount (wt %) Active Compound 0.00005-1.0%      Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin  4.0% Dibasic sodium phosphate (anhydrous)  0.2% Sodium chloride  0.5% Disodium EDTA (Edetate disodium) 0.01% Polysorbate 80 0.05% Benzalkonium chloride 0.01% Sodium hydroxide/Hydrochloric acid For adjusting pH to 7.3-7.4 Purified water q.s. to 100%

Example 14

Ingredients Amount (wt %) Active Compound 0.00005-1.0%   Xanthan gum 0.5-6.0% Dibasic sodium phosphate (anhydrous)    0.2% Sodium chloride    0.5% Disodium EDTA (Edetate disodium)    0.01% Polysorbate 80    0.05% Benzalkonium chloride    0.01% Sodium hydroxide/Hydrochloric acid For adjusting pH to 7.3-7.4 Purified water q.s. to 100%

Example 15

Ingredients Amount (wt %) Active Compound 0.00005-1.0%   Guar gum 0.4-6.0% Dibasic sodium phosphate (anhydrous)    0.2% Sodium chloride    0.5% Disodium EDTA (Edetate disodium)    0.01% Polysorbate 80    0.05% Benzalkonium chloride    0.01% Sodium hydroxide/Hydrochloric acid For adjusting pH to 7.3-7.4 Purified water q.s. to 100%

Example 16

Ingredients 0.00005-1.0%   Active Compound  0.01-2% Tyloxapol 0.2-4.0% Dibasic sodium phosphate (anhydrous)    0.2% Sodium chloride    0.5% Disodium EDTA (Edetate disodium)    0.01% Polysorbate 80    0.05% Benzalkonium chloride    0.01% Sodium hydroxide/Hydrochloric acid For adjusting pH to 7.3-7.4 Purified water q.s. to 100%

Example 17

Ingredients Amount (wt %) Active Compound 0.00005-1.0%      White petrolatum and mineral oil and Ointment consistency lanolin Dibasic sodium phosphate (anhydrous)  0.2% Sodium chloride  0.5% Disodium EDTA (Edetate disodium) 0.01% Polysorbate 80 0.05% Benzalkonium chloride 0.01% Sodium hydroxide/Hydrochloric acid For adjusting pH to 7.3-7.4

It should be understood that the foregoing disclosure emphasizes certain specific embodiments of the invention and that all modifications or alternatives equivalent thereto are within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims, including the use of different formulations shown for instance in Examples 10-17 above. 

1. A method for controlling intraocular pressure in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable ophthalmic carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a non-peptidic BK receptor agonist, wherein the non-peptidic BK receptor agonist is


2. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient has glaucoma.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient has ocular hypertension.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an aqueous humor production (inflow) inhibitor in combination with a non-peptide BK agonist, wherein the inhibitor is a β-blocker, an α-2 agonist, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, or a serotonin-2 agonist. 